Gordon "Nick" Negaard

Gordon “Nick” Negaard died peacefully on July 15, 2023 in Charleston, South Carolina, at age 92. He was the widower of Beatrice “Bea” Negaard, who passed away on December 6, 2015. He is survived by his children, Susan, Gordon Jr., Robin, Gary, Galen and Kristin; 12 grandchildren, Daniel, Michael, John, Sarah, Andrew, Zachary, Jamie, Caroline, Nick, Charlie, Aidan and Wren; and 2 great-grandchildren, James and Stephanie. 

Nick was born on August 1, 1930 in Mobridge, South Dakota to Ogel and Mathilda Negaard (nee Hanson). He was one of four children, preceded by his brother Robert, and followed by his brother Carman and his sister Janet Ann. He lost his mother to tuberculosis at the age of five. When he was a teenager, his father met and married Thelma. Thelma was a nurturing mother to his family and his half-sisters Joanie and Judy. He is survived by Janet Ann and Judy. 

In 1948, Nick enlisted in the US Army. He was serving with the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Trieste, Italy when he was selected to attend the US Military Academy at West Point. As a Cadet, his roommate Frank Ceglowski Armour introduced him to Bea, and they married on 7 June 1955 (just hours after his graduation and commissioning as a Second Lieutenant). He and Bea traveled to various duty stations during the early years of their marriage, as Nick completed his junior office training. He lived a full and interesting life, serving as an officer in the 101st Airborne Division, where he made 33 jumps; the 4th Armored Cavalry Division in Southern Germany; and the Ordnance Corps at Aberdeen Proving Ground. The Army sent him to Purdue University where he received an MS in Mechanical Engineering. Since his true passion was planes, he transferred to the Air Force for assignments at Eglin AFB in Florida, and Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio, where he earned an MS in Aeronautical Engineering and worked at the Flight Dynamics Lab. Upon retirement he began his consulting career, heading the Aerospace Structures Information and Analysis Center (ASIAC), that supported the Flight Dynamics Lab. He and his buddies from work enjoyed many hours of racquetball well into his 70’s. All who knew him loved him, especially his family, (including the family pets) and saw a kind, intelligent, gentle man and great father who loved jokes. He passed along his lifelong love of football (Go Bengals! Go Army!) and golf (“Phil”) to his 6 children. 

He spent his final months at Wellmore of Daniel Island, where his family constantly visited him. He loved flirting with his caregivers and was known for his strong grip and friendly wave. 

He will be interred with Bea at the US Military Academy at West Point, a place with special meaning for both of them. The Memorial Service and Interment Date are planned for October 10, 2023 at the Old Cadet Chapel. 

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Crescent Hospice of Charleston at 4401 Belle Oaks Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405. The family would like to thank all of his caregivers for their dedication and tender care in his final days. Condolences may be sent to William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Highland Falls, NY 10928 or using the attached link: https://www.wfhoganfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Gordon-Nick-Negaard?obId=28470120